First Step Communities

A nonprofit organization
Fundraise

$10,220 raised by 49 donors

51% complete

$20,000 Goal

First Step Communities (FSC), a Sacramento-based nonprofit established in 2015, has been at the forefront of providing low-barrier emergency shelter and essential social services to the most vulnerable homeless adults in the region. Moving beyond traditional shelters, FSC actively works towards empowering individuals to break the cycle of homelessness through comprehensive support. Acknowledged for its collaborative approach with community organizations, innovative initiatives, and unique methodology, FSC stands as a leader in Sacramento's homeless services.

Presently, FSC operates various programs, including North A Street, The Grove, Roseville Road Campus, Stockton Blvd Safe Stay, the Coordinated Access Navigation (CAN) Team and Warming/Cooling Centers, with plans to introduce additional programs. For a detailed understanding of each program, visit firststepcommunities.org.

FSC's programs are designed to address the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness by providing food, temporary shelter, case management, and other essential services, aiming to establish long-term stability. Recognizing the diversity of challenges faced by those unhoused, FSC maintains low-barrier programs, ensuring minimal requirements for entry, and extends support to the most vulnerable, holding the belief that everyone deserves compassionate assistance.

Acknowledging the intersection of medical care and shelter as a critical necessity, FSC has forged partnerships to integrate health services into its operations. Collaborating with The Willow Clinic, a team of UC Davis medical students, FSC now operates a free medical clinic at North A Street, accessible to all unsheltered individuals in the River District. Additional partnerships, such as the one with Wellness without Walls and Elica, have brought monthly on-site medical services to multiple locations.

Addressing the pressing need for on-site mental health services, FSC has partnered with Life Practice Counseling Group to provide crisis-oriented individual and group therapy. In 2023, at The Grove, a significant 70% of individuals engaging in these therapy services successfully transitioned into permanent housing.

Looking ahead, FSC remains dedicated to community collaboration and plans to expand on-site services, playing a pivotal role in empowering individuals to end their homelessness journey.

Giving Activity

Mission

First Step Communities will create interim housing and emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Here they will live in safety and dignity, receive the extensive case management and supportive services they require to take a First Step away from homelessness toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

Needs

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires real solutions. At First Step Communities, we work to remove barriers and provide the support people need to regain stability. Donations play a vital role in expanding resources, giving shelter guests access to transportation, employment support, healthcare, mental health services, hygiene essentials, and more.

Every dollar goes directly to client support. With more resources, we can continue breaking down obstacles and creating pathways toward housing and stability.

Equity Statement

In an ongoing effort to achieve the FSC mission we reaffirm our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We are proud that our employee base reflects people of all ethnicities, genders and preferences. Our diverse workforce possesses the skillsets and understanding of working with trauma-based methods to achieve our objectives. All employees are encouraged to bring their individual talents into our FSC culture to collaborate with others and to best serve the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

First Step Communities

other names

FSC

Year Established

2015

Tax id (EIN)

35-2537631

Mission Category

Housing, Shelter

Operating Budget

$5,000,001-$10 million

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Other

Demographics Served

Individuals with disabilities, Low-income individuals/families, Homeless/Underhoused/Unhoused

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

P.O. Box 188228
Sacramento, CA 95818

Service areas

Sacramento County, CA, US

Phone

530-255-2988

fax

916-389-0240

Email

info@firststepcommunities.org

Website

http://www.firststepcommunities.org

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